By Organ Mountain News on Jul 12, 2026

Las Cruces police warn of copper wire thefts from light poles, construction sites

Las Cruces police are asking residents to report suspicious activity near light poles and construction sites after roughly 100 copper wire thefts since November.

Light poles rise above a Las Cruces park with the Organ Mountains in the background. Police say copper wire thefts from light poles have caused costly damage and left some roadways without nighttime lighting. (Courtesy photo / City of Las Cruces)

About 100 thefts have been reported since November, with damage from a single incident costing the city as much as $10,000

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces police are asking residents to watch for suspicious activity near light poles and construction sites as copper wire thefts continue across the city.

The Las Cruces Police Department has received roughly 100 reports of stolen copper wire since November 2025. Most incidents have occurred between midnight and 5 a.m.

Police said thefts have been reported throughout Las Cruces, including along Elks Drive, Holman Road and in the West Mesa Industrial Park. Incidents have occurred near new home construction sites and in established neighborhoods.

Investigators believe thieves are removing copper wire from light poles, stripping away its plastic coating, cutting the wire into smaller sections and selling the material to recycling centers in Las Cruces and El Paso.

Scrap copper wire can sell for about $5 per pound, according to police. A single theft can cost the city as much as $10,000 to replace the wire and repair the damaged area.

The thefts can also create a public safety hazard by leaving stretches of roadway without lighting at night until repairs are completed.

Since January, police have arrested and charged 12 people suspected of stealing copper wire from light poles. Typical charges include felony counts of criminal damage to property and larceny.

Police said the thefts have continued despite those arrests.

Residents are asked to immediately report suspicious activity near light poles and new residential construction sites. Police said vehicles parked near light poles during overnight hours should be considered suspicious when they do not display City of Las Cruces or El Paso Electric markings.

Suspicious activity can be reported to police at 575-526-0795.

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